Another Gen-Xer writing to thank you. Crucible, indeed! I don’t have a child, but I did kick out breast cancer in 2019, so it’s been quite a ride here, too. One of the books I read at 40 that’s calling me back is Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. I remember finding comfort in its Jungian archetypes (look! I’m not alone!) and drawing a different kind of energy from the “strivelessness” (my word, not the author’s) of the years to come. Thank you for shining the light of resources and kindness into corners so often kept dark — and for acknowledging the courageous souls whose wisdom lifts us. Can’t wait to see more of your collab with Tyne. You are two of my most treasured IG connections. xo
I'm about the same age and have been going through the same body changes and acceptance process. Thank you for some new resources! And I highly recommend Aubrey Gordon's books.
What's funny is that I registered for Kim's class at Stitches as soon as I saw it on the schedule. I recently realized that I have no idea what my measurements are anymore when I did a sweater test knit for a size that should've been too big but ended up fitting perfectly. No wonder my jackets were feeling too tight this winter! Definitely time to get some accurate numbers.
I love this SO MUCH. I just padded up my dress form to match my enhanced measurements, and it is SO GOOD. I’m going to do the croquis as well- it feels like they’ll go together nicely
Your letter really resonated today (well, they do most weeks) on so many levels. As a fellow Gen-X who has also been reflecting upon aging, have you seen the book "This Chair Rocks" by Ashton Applewhite? I'm reading it right now and am finding it very interesting and helpful. Wishing you a good week.
Another week and another newsletter that resonates with me!!
For body positivity, I also recommend Virgie Tovar (You Have the Right to Remain Fat) & Sonja Renee Taylor (The Body Is Not An Apology - which is on my TBR list, but the Instagram is great.) My concept of “beautiful” or even “acceptable” bodies has shifted by curating my IG feed so I am constantly seeing bigger bodies. (It can be any body type, but I am working on owning my larger body.) External imaging from media and the insistence that I am not ok as I am has done a number on me. Don’t get me started on the evils of the diet industry!
There are so many practical, helpful things in this letter that I am going to check out immediately! Thanks for your thoughtful, gentle perspectives on this wild time. I appreciate you sharing them.
My one precious child left home 18 years ago, but my life still revolves around her (although she doesn't realize it), and she remains an extraordinary shining light. I wish I had understood what a brief time we actually have them in our care.
Another knitter, dyer, designer said: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. . . It's about learning to dance in the rain." I visualize this at every opportunity. Joan
If you haven't yet, please read Hagitude by Sharon Blackie. She understands, conceptualizes, writes about and companions living thru the crucible and alchemical processes you are describing. It is such an antidote to the anti-aging and older woman-erasing culture we live amidst. harpingJanet
Another Gen-Xer writing to thank you. Crucible, indeed! I don’t have a child, but I did kick out breast cancer in 2019, so it’s been quite a ride here, too. One of the books I read at 40 that’s calling me back is Finding Meaning in the Second Half of Life. I remember finding comfort in its Jungian archetypes (look! I’m not alone!) and drawing a different kind of energy from the “strivelessness” (my word, not the author’s) of the years to come. Thank you for shining the light of resources and kindness into corners so often kept dark — and for acknowledging the courageous souls whose wisdom lifts us. Can’t wait to see more of your collab with Tyne. You are two of my most treasured IG connections. xo
I'm about the same age and have been going through the same body changes and acceptance process. Thank you for some new resources! And I highly recommend Aubrey Gordon's books.
What's funny is that I registered for Kim's class at Stitches as soon as I saw it on the schedule. I recently realized that I have no idea what my measurements are anymore when I did a sweater test knit for a size that should've been too big but ended up fitting perfectly. No wonder my jackets were feeling too tight this winter! Definitely time to get some accurate numbers.
This week and last week really resonate with me. Thank you for your newsletter. I look forward to it every week.
I love this SO MUCH. I just padded up my dress form to match my enhanced measurements, and it is SO GOOD. I’m going to do the croquis as well- it feels like they’ll go together nicely
Your letter really resonated today (well, they do most weeks) on so many levels. As a fellow Gen-X who has also been reflecting upon aging, have you seen the book "This Chair Rocks" by Ashton Applewhite? I'm reading it right now and am finding it very interesting and helpful. Wishing you a good week.
Another week and another newsletter that resonates with me!!
For body positivity, I also recommend Virgie Tovar (You Have the Right to Remain Fat) & Sonja Renee Taylor (The Body Is Not An Apology - which is on my TBR list, but the Instagram is great.) My concept of “beautiful” or even “acceptable” bodies has shifted by curating my IG feed so I am constantly seeing bigger bodies. (It can be any body type, but I am working on owning my larger body.) External imaging from media and the insistence that I am not ok as I am has done a number on me. Don’t get me started on the evils of the diet industry!
All bodies are good bodies!
There are so many practical, helpful things in this letter that I am going to check out immediately! Thanks for your thoughtful, gentle perspectives on this wild time. I appreciate you sharing them.
My one precious child left home 18 years ago, but my life still revolves around her (although she doesn't realize it), and she remains an extraordinary shining light. I wish I had understood what a brief time we actually have them in our care.
Another knitter, dyer, designer said: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. . . It's about learning to dance in the rain." I visualize this at every opportunity. Joan
If you haven't yet, please read Hagitude by Sharon Blackie. She understands, conceptualizes, writes about and companions living thru the crucible and alchemical processes you are describing. It is such an antidote to the anti-aging and older woman-erasing culture we live amidst. harpingJanet